Sir Tony said the decision was indefensible and made it look like a “sect”.

But the Tory MP made the remarks while wearing the special pink tie of the exclusive central London Garrick Club.

Despite the gaffe, Sir Tony won praise among fellow MPs for his handling of the crisis.

He said church members would be “deluding themselves” if they thought their views on moral issues would be given the same weight as before.

PA

Men only: The Garrick Club

He said: “Every member of this house has recently been having representations by Church members on same-sex marriage.

“If the Church of England thinks that parliament is going to listen to them on moral issues such as same-sex marriage with considerable attention when the Church of England seems to be so out of step on others issues of concern to Parliament then they are simply deluding themselves.”

He added that the Church of England’s position as the established state church was under threat because it was so far out of step with mainstream opinion.

A fresh attempt to allow women to become bishops should take place “as soon as possible”, Sir Tony - who represents the Church of England in the Commons - said.

He said it was not an issue which could be “parked for the next couple of years” until after the next round of General Synod elections in 2015.

On Wednesday Prime Minister David Cameron said the Church needed to “get with the programme”.